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Arsenal wonderkid Gedion Zelalem makes injury comeback as a number 10

Arsenal's most admired young talent has made his comeback from injury.

While Arsenal were creating headlines with their landmark 1-0 victory away to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, hours earlier another pleasant development occurred.

The club's talented young midfielder Gedion Zelalem made his comeback from a two month injury, which had prevented him from receiving Capital One Cup opportunities.

The 16-year-old appeared with the first team on pre-season, impressing and not looking out of place, even registering assists.

He declared himself fit a week ago, but Arsene Wenger and under-21 coach Terry Burton were keen not to rush him back, and waited for the UEFA Youth League fixture with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Zelalem was picked as a starter in Germany in the 2-2 draw, and notably started in a more advanced role than usual, as a number 10.

He was involved in Arsenal's opening goal, playing in Jon Toral who crossed for Austin Lipman to open the scoring.

Zelalem demonstrated he had recovered from his injury by lasting the entire 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw, which left Arsenal remaining at the top of the group.

His return to fitness is excellent news for Arsenal, but don't expect a first team spot for him anytime just yet. the Gunners have plenty of options in midfield, and no need to rush Zelalem's development.

He did not even make his under-21 debut until late in 2012/13, and will continue his development in the UEFA Youth League and with the under-21s throughout the season, with Capital One Cup first team chances no longer on offer.

With the Premier League also launching an under-21 knockout cup competition, there are plenty of goals for Zelalem to try to lead Arsenal towards, and write his own story in the process.

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.